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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Robert Kitson in Paris

South Africa go big and bold with reboot of forward heavy bench against Ireland

Eben Etzebeth takes part in training
Eben Etzebeth is fit to play for South Africa in their crucial pool match against Ireland this weekend. Photograph: Julien de Rosa/AFP/Getty Images

The influential Eben Etzebeth is fit to face Ireland this weekend and has been included in a power-laden South Africa side for the pivotal Pool B match at the Stade de France on Saturday. The Springboks have also opted to roll out a forward-dominated bench with just one backline specialist among their replacements.

Etzebeth missed South Africa’s game against Romania with a sore shoulder which had previously forced him off early against Scotland but is back for one of the biggest collisions of the tournament to date. A Springbok win would effectively cement them as pool winners and leave Ireland sweating on their game against Scotland to guarantee qualification for the knockout stages.

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